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Training Through Sciatica?


ChimpGrip

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I have had sciatica for almost 4 weeks now. The pain can make you immobile, by chiropractor did some stretches on me and it worked but I can't go there all the time

Has anyone here trained and lifted heavy through sciatica? Are there lifts to avoid or can you ignore the pain without worry? It seems to be more common than I thought.

While this has slowed down my lifting, I still train chest/tris/bi's and grip (though not rigorously).

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http://www.backfitpro.com/books.php

Stuart McGill is my go-to resource for back pain and injury. I can't advise on how to train during a flare-up of sciatica, as I've never had that problem (my issue is SI pain), but I'm sure he'll have the answers.

Edited by diomedes
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Ask your chiro about spinal tractioning at home and if it's a good idea in your individual case.

Edited by hellswindstaff
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I basically quit all heavy lower-body lifting after a few-month long bout with sciatic pain (started in my hamstring low enough where I thought I pulled a hammy so I trained heavy for a short period of time until it became clear I was dealing with something else).

Did PT/chiro (including a traction table - worked wonders for me) - took the pain level down to where I didn't have to do any heavy duty painkiller stuff on a daily basis, that was it for me as far as the heavy lifting is concerned though. Had to adjust my bench style to bench without an arch too, took about a year to get back to the numbers I was hitting before the injury.

Do know some ppl who got back to heavy lifting shortly after the recovery (some did a cortisone shot for the pain and got right back to lifting lol) , I just switched to gripping as my "PR" type activity and hi-rep/bodyweight training for lower-body gpp.

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Did the McGill stuff and stuck to high box squats and trapbar pulls. Let me keep working on until I healed up.

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Stop deadlifting, squatting, anything that will aggrivate it. I took about half a year off from those lifts and built it back up slowly with very light weights.

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I had some major lower back issues a few years ago. For a few weeks, I was unable to squat or deadlift, and had to back off on a lot of other main lifts. Just when I thought things were progressing, I'd try something (light) and get that pinching/stabbing pain. My chiro and PT ended up making the biggest difference. (I had to go to multiple chiros before I found one that really helped.) I also pulled in briefs, which made a huge difference, as this alone took a lot of the stress off of that area and let me work back into heavy weights.

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My dad has 4 bulging discs and is in his 80s. First thing was first, I had him get rid of his belly through diet and using the Tread climber. Once he was down 30 pounds, I had him start doing supermans on the floor and ab work. His sciatic nerve issues are gone despite his discs still being out. He is refusing surgery as he believes he is too old and wont recover.

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I wouldn't "train through" any kind of spinal issue. Rehab that thing - which is certainly "training" but not the same if you know what I mean. Read the McGill books - highly recommended. Figure out the things you can do and the things you should NOT do - even if those are the things you "want" to do. Mess with muscle stuff but flaring up a nerve issue can result in the kind of problems you don't want anything to do with - the kind that change your life, and not for the better. Things like Bird Dogs, Fire Hydrants, High Steps, Upward and Downward Dog (Yoga), etc are things that MIGHT help, but every problem is different - which is one of the things McGill talks about. Inversion table may help - but made me worse with what I had going on.

Train the other body parts as possible but don't mess with your back - you only get one and it has to last a lifetime. The good news is that this can usually be fixed with some intelligent and focused work - and some patience. :)

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I wouldn't "train through" any kind of spinal issue. Rehab that thing - which is certainly "training" but not the same if you know what I mean. Read the McGill books - highly recommended. Figure out the things you can do and the things you should NOT do - even if those are the things you "want" to do. Mess with muscle stuff but flaring up a nerve issue can result in the kind of problems you don't want anything to do with - the kind that change your life, and not for the better. Things like Bird Dogs, Fire Hydrants, High Steps, Upward and Downward Dog (Yoga), etc are things that MIGHT help, but every problem is different - which is one of the things McGill talks about. Inversion table may help - but made me worse with what I had going on.

Train the other body parts as possible but don't mess with your back - you only get one and it has to last a lifetime. The good news is that this can usually be fixed with some intelligent and focused work - and some patience. :)

1++.

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I can tell you this. Its a bit private but I dont want you to damage yourself like I did.

I've had that shooting pain in my cheek and down my leg for like 10 years on and off.

It can come from two things, herniated disc or a crocked hip bone from what the doctor told me.

I've deadlifted heavy and squatted heavy in my better periods and walked and stumbled around in pain like a 100 yr old in the not so great periods.

Im the most stubborn idiot on earth and I never give up or give in to pain.

In August last year I got wierd burning/pinching pains in my nads and groin area.

First I thought I had gotten an inflammation in my nut, I've had it before and when the pain started it felt just like it did then.

Pain got severe and I couldnt sleep at night and painkillers didnt work.

It then also started hurting in my lower back.

I couldnt even walk.

Painkillers dont work on "nerve pain"!

I went to the doctor and he sent me to the x-ray.

Turned out I have a herniated disc in L5 and buldging discs in my lower back, from working heavy Jobs since I was 16 years old.

Im not well yet but its better.

I can walk and sleep now.

Took 5+ months for the pain to subside.

Thought I was going to go insane and hang myself.

I went to the chiro like ten times during the past 10 years and I never got better.

Im suggesting you get a real checkup before you wreck yourself brother.

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Reverse Hyperextensions, an invention of Louie Simmons. I purchased a machine in 2003, when they had some less professional and less expensive versions. I use it for "prevention" and "rehab". I am completely addicted to them. Lots of Elite Powerlifters and Pro Strongmen use them. When I am ill, or injured, and cannot work out, the pain comes back after about 10 days. Otherwise, they have pretty much saved me. I never worry or fear things concerning my back, and prior to that, I was literally paranoid on back matters for 20 years.

There are people who can make gadgets that mimic the movement, exercise balls can probably be put on something to give it some height and made useful. You would know quickly if the movement or placement of the legs hanging down down if it will provide any relief.

Here is a link to a lengthy piece on reverse hypers:

http://www.westside-barbell.com/professional-health-care-reverse-hyper

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